WHAT THE EVIDENCE SAYS
An Amacuzac River field survey recorded 17 fish species and analyzed 19 ecological functional traits across eight functional groups. Functional diversity varied between sampling reaches, with a downstream reach showing a comparatively high complement of functions; several functional roles were represented by a single species.
WHY IT MATTERS / OUR READ
If conservation planning counts only species, it can miss whether particular feeding, habitat or movement roles remain in a river. Maintaining functional redundancy may make restoration outcomes more resilient.
CAVEATS / UNCERTAINTY
Site comparisons are observational and time-limited; high functional richness is not direct evidence of good water quality or restored ecosystem condition. Trait categories and sampling effort influence results.
SOURCE
Neotropical Ichthyology · Amacuzac river fish trait study
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